Get Lean with 5S Workplace Principles

5S – Sort, Set in Order, Shine, Standardize and Sustain

Recognized as one of the strategies associated with “Just in Time” manufacturing (Toyota Production System), the 5S system for workplace organization and standardization originated in Japan. The “5” relates to a series of five Japanese words that begin with the letter “S” and translate into five English words, i.e., sort (seiri), set in order (seiton), shine (seiso), standardize (seiketsu) and sustain (shitsuke).

Since then, the workplace tool has spread to many other industries including health care, education and government and has been repeatedly modified, such as adding a sixth “S” word, safety.

Generally, the five S’s eliminate any unnecessary things so workers focus only on necessary items. As a result, the path stays clear to make room for optimum work production.
Five words to help you organize and standardize your workplace

1. Sort

Inventory and sort through your items removing any unnecessary objects.
Need a push to help you identify the non-essentials? If you haven’t used it in the past 30 days, then remove it.

2. Set in order

Organize and order the tools and materials you’ll need. Keep them close and in the order you’ll need them, i.e., FIFO—first-in, first-out.

3. Shine

How would your workspace look to someone at a distance of 50 feet? Clean, neat, uncluttered?

4. Standardize

As the old saying goes, a place for everything and everything in its place.

5. Sustain

Maintain proper order and discipline. Carry out the task before you’re asked.
All-Spec carries an assortment of items to help you organize and standardize your workspace. Take a first step with Treston’s Cornerstone™ Non-ESD Preconfigured Workstation.